Episode 57: MWC 2024 Observations and Insights

The Circuit

Summary

In this episode of The Circuit, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the infrastructure side of telecom at Mobile World Congress. They highlight the importance of the show for telecom operators and the focus on networking and telecom infrastructure. The conversation covers the current state of 5G deployment and the upcoming transition to 6G. They also discuss the challenges and concerns in upgrading core networks and the potential costs and timing of 6G. The decline of millimeter wave technology and the use of custom silicon in telecom infrastructure are also explored, along with the advantages and disadvantages of custom chipsets. The conversation covers topics such as AI chip infrastructure in the telecom industry, Qualcomm's underwhelming presence at Mobile World Congress, Qualcomm's AI hub and centralized repository for AI models, Qualcomm's initiative to bring 5G to low-cost handsets, the competition between Qualcomm and MediaTek in the AI space, and Apple's update to the MacBook Air and its positioning as an AI platform.

Takeaways

• Mobile World Congress is an important show for telecom operators and focuses on networking and telecom infrastructure.
• The transition to 5G is currently underway, with 6G expected to be discussed and developed in the coming years.
• Upgrading core networks and improving network efficiency are ongoing challenges for telecom operators.
• The decline of millimeter wave technology and the use of custom silicon in telecom infrastructure are notable trends. AI chip infrastructure is not yet a priority in the telecom industry.
• Qualcomm's presence at Mobile World Congress was underwhelming.
• Qualcomm's AI hub provides a centralized repository for AI models.
• Qualcomm's initiative to bring 5G to low-cost handsets may face challenges in competing with MediaTek.
• The tension between premium and low-cost devices in the smartphone market continues.
• Apple is positioning the MacBook Air as an AI platform.